Springfield….State Rep. Terri Bryant (R
– Murphysboro) has issued the following statement following House Floor action
today that saw many pieces of a Democrat-sponsored spending plan move forward.

“I and my fellow
Republican legislators had been working for months with Governor Rauner and the
majority Democrats to craft a comprehensive budget to reform the state’s
reckless fiscal policies and improve our business climate.

Those
negotiations fell apart sometime last week. Those meetings can’t honestly be
characterized as having the Democrats’ cooperation because they stopped
negotiating in good faith and have now advanced their own unbalanced budget.

Not stopping
there though, the Chicago politicians that control state government have gone
as far as introducing a spending plan that falls $4 billion short of expected
revenues. Illinois working families that get up and go to work every day to
make ends meet in this bad economy can’t balance their budgets that way.

I’m disgusted
by this process and now know what everyone was talking about when they said
Springfield in May is always just ‘business as usual.’ I will continue to stand
up for hardworking taxpayers, who deserve better than this.”

Springfield….State Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) has announced that legislation she passed through the House of Representatives received unanimous support from the Illinois Senate today. HB 3797 would help widows and widowers cut the cost of expensive transfers of car titles. Bryant says this legislation was drafted at the request of a constituent who experienced the hardship upon the death of her husband.

“I introduced HB 3797 to help cut down on the expensive transfer of a vehicle title when someone’s spouse dies. Right now, this costs the surviving spouse $95. I worked with the Secretary of State’s office and we got that fee down to $15, making it much more affordable,” Bryant said.

The bill will now head to the Governor for his signature. Bryant says she wants to thank Senator David Luechtefeld (R-Okawville) for ushering the bill through the Illinois Senate.

“I want to thank my friend and colleague Senator Luechtefeld for his hard work on this bill and congratulate him on its unanimous passage through the Senate. This legislation offers a much needed cut to high title transfer costs experienced by individuals dealing with the death of a spouse,” Bryant said. “It also responds to a specific concern expressed by a constituent. As a legislator, I feel a great responsibility to be proactive when constituents come to us with a hardship. I’m proud of the results we’ve achieved on this bill for the people of the State of Illinois.”

To contact Rep. Bryant, please visit www.repbryant.com and follow the Contact link. You may also call her district office at (618) 242-8115 or email her at Bryant@ILHouseGop.org.

House Republican Freshman Legislators Call for Term Limits for Career Politicians
Last week, with 10 days remaining before the scheduled adjournment of this Spring's legislative session, I joined several of my fellow Republican freshman legislators for a press conference to call for legislation that would establish term limits for legislators, constitutional officers, and legislative leaders.

Pictured here are several freshman legislators calling
for term limits

The argument for term limits really makes itself at this point. The legislative process for crafting a budget for the FY 2016 year that starts July 1 has gone about as poorly as could be imagined. For three decades, Majority Democrat legislative leaders have spent their career in public office consolidating their power under the Capitol and standing in the way of meaningful reform.

I didn't go to Springfield to play games with the lives and livelihoods of the hard working people of Illinois. The last election provided a clear mandate from the people for balance in state government. Our constituents deserve passage of comprehensive solutions that will balance our budget in a responsible way. The time has come for all parties to exercise a little statesmanship, and forgo the political gamesmanship. Term limits for legislative leaders and Constitutional officers would ensure that the interests of the taxpayers are served above those of the career politicians.

Murphysboro Named BBQ Capital City of Illinois by Illinois House

Mayor Will Stephens and I in the House Gallery on the day the
Illinois House named Murphysboro the BBQ Capital City of Illinois

I am thrilled to announce that a Resolution first brought to me by Murphysboro Mayor Will Stephens has passed the Illinois House. For one year, the city of Murphysboro will hold the title of the BBQ Capital City of Illinois.

I am proud to have been the Sponsor of this measure in the House. I believe in promoting the good things we have to offer in Southern Illinois so we can increase tourism to the region. Besides, we do have some World Famous Barbecue Pit Masters and some fantastic barbecue restaurants in my hometown.

Thanks to Mayor Stephens' efforts, and the hundreds of interested people that signed the online petition, the measure received unanimous support. To check out press coverage on the Murphysboro BBQ Capital Resolution, follow the links below.

So, come on down to Murphysboro this summer and experience why Illinois calls it the BBQ Capital City!REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS ON MEMORIAL DAY

This week I was proud to accept a request from the Mayor of the Village of DeSoto and the staff at the village hall in regard to renaming a portion of Highway 149 as the Veteran's Memorial Highway. The stretch of highway is about 5 miles from the intersection of IL Route 149 and US 51 to the Jackson County Mile Marker at the edge of Hurst, Illinois.

Memorial Day is a day to pay tribute to America's fallen heroes. The thoughts and prayers of a free and grateful nation are with the surviving family members and Armed Services brothers and sisters today. Thank you for your sacrifices.

A photo of the memorial in DeSoto, which is the subject of the Resolution, can be found to the right.

Springfield….State
Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) received unanimous support in the Illinois
House today for a resolution naming Murphysboro the Barbecue Capital of
Illinois.

“This is big for my hometown of Murphysboro,” Bryant said. “I
am proud to sponsor the BBQ resolution because it promotes southern Illinois
and the good things we have to offer. I want to increase tourism to our area
and I think this is one way we can highlight some positivity in Illinois and
maybe generate some buzz and some tourism.”

Murphysboro is home to the annual “Praise the Lard” BBQ
Cook-off which is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society and the
Memphis Barbecue Network. The Travel Channel named Murphysboro as one of 8 “BBQ
Paradises”. Murphysboro is also home to National BBQ Hall of Fame pit masters
Mike Mills of 17th Street BBQ and Pat Burke of Pat’s BBQ and
Catering. Mills and Burke are Illinois’ only National BBQ Hall of Fame members.

Bryant said the idea for the measure was brought to her by
Murphysboro Mayor Will Stephens. Stephens says he is proud that the measure received
unanimous House support.

“The city of Murphysboro thanks Representative Terri Bryant
for her hard work to earn this special recognition for the city’s rich barbecue
heritage. If you haven’t been to our
great city to try our famous barbecue, then make plans this summer to visit the
Barbecue Capital City of Illinois!”

On Monday I was honored to speak with Tom Miller on the WJPF morning newswatch. We discussed many topics, including action last week in the Illinois House. Speaker Madigan is up to his usual games in May, and offered up bogus amendments for votes on the floor for political purposes.

The amendments were largely regarding vital human services programs and their place in the upcoming budget. The bills included money for funding some really important programs like breast and cervical cancer screenings and the child care assistance program. I am a strong supporter of these programs.

The problem last week was that Speaker Madigan put these bills on the House Floor for votes without first ushering them through the normal committee process. Committee input on legislation is one of the most important structures of our democracy.

We saw again this week the same type of political gamesmanship on the issue of Right to Work. I do not support Right to Work. I will not vote for Right to Work legislation. I received dozens of calls and emails from constituents urging me not to support Right to Work. I am representing that point of view in the vote that I took. I again rejected the idea of playing these political games. You didn’t send me to Springfield to be Mike Madigan’s puppet. I voted Present to protest the waste of time and the lack of seriousness of the bill.

To simply skip the committee process and force political show votes on the floor and play games with these kinds of programs and issues like Right to Work is divisive and shameful.

My Republican colleagues and I are trying desperately to work in good faith and compromise with the majority party. The people of Illinois have elected a divided government, sending a clear message that cooperation is their desire. The political dog and pony show games played last week by the Chicago democrat super majority do not bode well for that spirit of cooperation to continue.

IDOT Projects Announced

A $17.9 million investment in critical infrastructure will be made during the upcoming Fiscal Year 2016 Road Plan. The plan will update and repair 10 roads and bridges for a total of 47.97 miles. I was happy to join Senator Luechtefeld in making these announcements this week. The 58th Senate District is slated for a total of $65.63 million in road work in the upcoming six-year highway improvement program.

JEFFERSON COUNTY

$750,000 for the resurfacing of 1.24 miles of Illinois 15 from 16th Street to Old Fairfield Road in Mt. Vernon.

$500,000 for the resurfacing of County Road 2275E from Illinois 15 to East Sunswept Road near Bluford.

PERRY COUNTY

$1,600,000 for the resurfacing of 4.72 miles of US 51 1.7 miles north of Illinois 154 to NCL of DuQuoin mile east of US 51 to the Franklin County Line.

JACKSON COUNTY

$3,000,000 for the bridge superstructure of the Illinois 127 bridge in Murphysboro over the Big Muddy River.

$2,700,000 for the resurfacing of 10.81 miles of Illinois 4 from Illinois 151 to Illinois 127.

$2,800,000 for the resurfacing of 10.91 miles of US 51 from the Makanda Road to Illinois 146 in Anna.

Summer Reading Club Program Announced

This week my staff delivered flyers to various schools throughout the district that have elected to participate in my Summer Reading Club. If you have a child in K-4th grade and you want to sign them up for my “Read to the Rhythm” Summer Reading Club.

I am asking students to complete reading 8 books this summer, and I will pledge to do the same. Students that complete the requirements will be invited to an ice cream party in their area and will receive a special certificate of recognition from the House of Representatives. For more information or to print a flyer, please visit: http://www.repbryant.com/p/special-events.html

Senior Fairs

This summer, I will host two Senior Citizens Expos with my colleague Senator Dave Luechtefeld and Congressman Mike Bost. A flyer will be coming in the mail in June to announce the dates and times. Here is the advanced information. First, for Carbondale.

Springfield, Ill. – A $17.9 million investment in critical infrastructure will be made during the upcoming Fiscal Year 2016 Road Plan. The plan will update and repair 10 roads and bridges for a total of 47.97 miles, according to State Sen. Dave Luechtefeld (R-Okawville) and State Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro).

The 58th Senate District is slated for a total of $65.63 million in road work in the upcoming six-year highway improvement program.

JEFFERSON COUNTY
$750,000 for the resurfacing of 1.24 miles of Illinois 15 from 16th Street to Old Fairfield Road in Mt. Vernon.
$500,000 for the resurfacing of County Road 2275E from Illinois 15 to East Sunswept Road near Bluford.

PERRY COUNTY
$1,600,000 for the resurfacing of 4.72 miles of US 51 1.7 miles north of Illinois 154 to NCL of DuQuoin mile east of US 51 to the Franklin County Line.

JACKSON COUNTY
$3,000,000 for the bridge superstructure of the Illinois 127 bridge in Murphysboro over the Big Muddy River.
$2,700,000 for the resurfacing of 10.81 miles of Illinois 4 from Illinois 151 to Illinois 127.
$2,800,000 for the resurfacing of 10.91 miles of US 51 from the Makanda Road to Illinois 146 in Anna.

MONROE COUNTY
$4,100,000 for the resurfacing of 9.62 miles of Illinois 3 from Vanderbrook Road to the Randolph County Line.

RANDOLPH COUNTY
$800,000 for the cape seal of Illinois 155 0.3 miles west of Fort de Chartres.
ST. CLAIR COUNTY

$1,700,000 for the resurfacing of 4.85 miles of Illinois 156 from Illinois 159 to Illinois 13.

Springfield....State Representative Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) was not mincing words following a vote taken in the Illinois House today on the issue of Right to Work zones. Bryant voted Present on the measure, citing her objection to House Speaker Michael Madigan wasting precious time and waging an ideological war with Governor Bruce Rauner on the issue as the state's financial condition continues to deteriorate. As for the issue of Right to Work, Bryant says she is not supportive of the idea.

"Our economy in Illinois would be better served by taking action on issues that would provide security for the middle class,” said Bryant. “There are real issues out there, real pain being felt by people. Over and over again, my constituents are telling me they're sick of the same old political tricks in Illinois. These games are getting us nowhere fast," Bryant said.

Bryant went on to explain the “Present” votes in the context of the series of non-negotiated measures advanced by the Illinois House Speaker seeking to divide the legislature.

"I’m opposed to Right to Work; however, our present votes represent our opposition to the way business is being conducted in the House,” added Bryant. “The problems we're facing will take cooperation, sacrifice and a bipartisan approach. The leadership of the House hasn’t operated with this in mind for a long time, and that unfortunately hasn’t changed this spring.”

Bryant also condemned recent moves by Speaker Madigan to hold Committees of the Whole on Tort Reform and Worker's Compensation and for holding votes on amendments for funding for vital human services outside of the working groups and budgeting groups meeting to find compromise on these issues.

"There are many irons in a very big, very hot financial fire right now and these Chicago style show votes and show trials and political games are very insulting to our service providers and those that rely on the state to pay its bills," Bryant said. "I stand ready to work with both parties to find solutions to these very big problems and deliver much deserved value to the taxpayers of Illinois."

After Friday's legislative action, there will be just two weeks left until the legislature is scheduled to adjourn. Bryant says she would prefer the remaining time be spent on substantive matters.

Springfield….Following news on Friday morning that the Illinois Supreme Court has deemed SB 1 unconstitutional, State Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) says the unconstitutional nature of the previously passed law was never in question. “During the last election, I said over and over again that the law that was passed was not constitutional,” Bryant said. “That’s why I opposed it at the time it was introduced, and I opposed it throughout the process until now. It has been widely known that this would happen, and today we’ve got a real confirmation.” What comes next for Illinois pension reform is unknown for now. In addition to a FY 2016 budget shortfall of nearly $6 billion, and a bill backlog of $6 - $8 billion, Illinois also faces a nearly $100 billion pension liability. After today’s decision by the Illinois Supreme Court, Bryant says the political and legislative fight over pension reform will now have to begin all over again. “Illinois faces many difficult challenges right now. Today’s decision will throw a gallon of gas on Illinois’ fiscal fire,” Bryant said. “It will only get more challenging to craft a responsible budget that preserves programs for the most vulnerable and provides for essential government services like public safety and transportation. One thing is clear though, that a diminishing of the pension benefits that public servants have earned cannot be a part of the mix"